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Introduction

Introduction. This presentation is about networking and covers three components: What is networking? Why network? How to network?. Introduction. First, a plug for the speaker Bruce B. Blais, P.E. Principal Consultant, PCN Professionals, Inc. Richardson, Texas bblais@pcn-pros.com

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Introduction

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Introduction • This presentation is about networking and covers three components: • What is networking? • Why network? • How to network? PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  2. Introduction • First, a plug for the speaker • Bruce B. Blais, P.E. • Principal Consultant, • PCN Professionals, Inc. • Richardson, Texas • bblais@pcn-pros.com • Graduate of the University of Florida with a BS in Electrical Engineering (Communications) • Registered professional engineer • Senior member of the IEEE & ComSoc member for 27 years • Chairperson for the Consultants’ Network & Director for the Alliance of IEEE Consultants’ Networks (AICN) PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  3. Introduction • The Speaker • Mr. Blais is a telecommunications consultant with over 30 years experience in a wide range of telecommunications technologies. He entered private practice in 1990 after 20 years with large telecom companies. Mr. Blais has an extensive background in the wireless industry including association with such recognized leaders as Agilent, Verizon, AT&T, MCI, Bell Labs, Lucent, and the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs). He has supported a number of foreign governments, entrepreneurs and private investors in wireless telecommunications ventures world-wide, including cellular, PCS, wireless Internet, and other high speed radio-based data networks. • Mr. Blais is also an expert witness, providing technical support to the legal industry in cases involving wireless telecom. PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  4. What Is Networking? • Networking, by my definition, is: • A pro-active effort to know and become known by the industry in which you work as a way to advance your participation in it. • The industry includes: • People • Organizations PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  5. Why Network? • Benefits & Results • An individual or organization undertakes networking to realize specific: • Benefits • Results • For organizations networking is the market research and advertising to get the message out • People get to know your product and what it can do • Results in sales and income • It is very much the same for individuals PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  6. Why Network? • Benefits & Results • Benefits • Greater opportunities • Gives you exposure to more opportunities • A larger selection means better fit for your skills • A better fit produces better results • Better results translate into a better reputation • A better reputation gives you more opportunities PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  7. Why Network? • Benefits & Results • Results • Greater industry involvement • Easier to stay on the forefront of new developments • Being involved gives you the ability to recognize and respond to changes in the industry • In a position to respond to new directions sooner • Provides better “career” security • Career security is better than job security PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  8. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Personal referrals • Written communications PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  9. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Identifying places to meet the “right” people • Breaking the ice • Personal preparation and presentation • Identifying the other person’s needs • “The pitch” • Short-term follow-up • Long-term follow-up & staying connected PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  10. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Identifying places to meet the “right” people • Technical venues • Where to find out what’s happening • Business venues • Where to find out who might need help • Entrepreneurial venues • Where to find out what’s happening and who might need help! PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  11. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Identifying places to meet the “right” people • Technical venues • Professional & technical societies • Special Interest Groups (SIG) • Technical seminars • GeekMeet (regular) • Informal gatherings (hangin’) PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  12. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Identifying places to meet the “right” people • Business venues • Chamber of Commerce • Technology Business Council • Industry associations (AeA) • Other technology development organizations (NTTC) • GeekMeet (executive) PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  13. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Identifying places to meet the “right” people • Entrepreneurial venues • Richardson Chamber of Commerce • STARTech • Metroplex Technology Business Council • Universities • Angel & VC gatherings PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  14. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Breaking the ice • Key off company names • Certainly the familiar names • Don’t overlook the unknown • Eavesdrop on interesting conversations • Express an interest in the subject • Break in with an informed comment or opinion You must be informed, so read everything you can about the industry! PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  15. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Personal Preparation & Presentation • Dress & grooming are important • It is a contact’s first impression of you (look successful) • Dress “up” when in doubt • Have a nice-looking name badge • Use your color printer & graphics program to make one • Wear it on the right side of your jacket • Carry plenty of business cards • Carry a note taking device and make notes PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  16. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Identifying the other person’s needs • First find out what they are doing • See if they have overcome the obvious problems • Dive deeper to see if you can discover other problems or un-met needs • If there is nothing there, gracefully move on to another “target” PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  17. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • “The pitch” • If you discover un-met needs or problems and have solved the specific or similar problems, say so • Caution! Do not give away the solution! • Let the contact make the first move in this area to demonstrate sincerity • If you give too much information, they may go off and solve it without you • Be especially careful of name dropping: you may give the opportunity away! PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  18. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Short-term follow-up • Thank you note • Forward any information promised • Make an offer for additional discussions or information • Respond quickly! • Timeliness is important! PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  19. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Face-to-face networking • Long-term follow-up & staying connected • Set period based on timing obtained from direct contact • The contact will give an indication of when to follow-up • When following-up, include any recent experience or information that might be important to the contact • Increase the follow-up period with each subsequent follow-up • More about this later in written communications PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  20. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Personal referrals • Usually follows on from face-to-face networking with someone else • Leverages the networks of others to work for you • Is a bi-directional process • Must go both ways to be effective • Stay in touch with your contacts & solicit referrals • Keep it “low key” PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  21. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Written communications • Directory & SIG listings • Newsletters • Follow-up to other contact methods PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  22. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Written communications • Directory & SIG listings • Maintains “visibility” in your areas of interest & expertise • One of the first places both insiders & outsiders look for talent PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  23. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Written communications • Newsletters • An effective tool in communicating your current work • Usually sent after initial contact is made • Write about the things you have been doing • Sound excited about your work & the industry • Be upbeat & forward looking • Distribute a newsletter at least annually, but not more often than quarterly • Helps keep your contact information up-to-date! PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  24. How To Network? • Networking Techniques • Written communications • General correspondence as short and long-term follow-up to face-to-face contact and referrals • Forward information of interest to the contact • Relevant late-breaking news articles • Editorials or articles you have written • Forward resume or other credentials when appropriate • Resume targeted to the “opportunity” • Background narrative on experience directly relating to the “opportunity” PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  25. How To Network? • Summary • Build a network of contacts • Stay current • From a technical perspective • From a business perspective • Continuously maintain that network • Add new contacts • Stay in touch with existing contacts • Know what they are doing • Make sure they know what you are doing PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

  26. How To Network? • Thank you for your kind attention. • Any further questions, comments or discussion? PCN PROFESSIONALS, INC.

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